From Dispatch Room
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has called on both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to urgently intensify efforts toward rescuing teachers and pupils abducted in Orire, Ogbomoso area of Oyo State, warning against further delays in securing their release.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the NBA Ibadan Branch, Ibrahim Lawal, the association described the attack as a barbaric assault on innocent citizens and condemned what it termed the slow pace of rescue efforts since the abduction occurred more than ten days ago.
The NBA said the silence surrounding the ongoing rescue operation has become deeply disturbing and does not inspire confidence among residents of the state. The association noted that while security agencies may need to keep operational strategies away from public scrutiny, citizens deserve reassurance that meaningful efforts are ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
According to the statement, the incident represents a dangerous threat to peace and security in Oyo State and should not be allowed to become another unresolved criminal case in the country. The association stressed that the perpetrators and sponsors of the attack must be identified and brought to justice.
The legal body also warned against what it described as “characteristic but ineffectual reactions” by government authorities to rising insecurity, insisting that residents expect practical action rather than public platitudes.
The NBA urged the Oyo State Government to adopt more proactive security measures to protect lives and property across the state, warning that communities may resort to self-help if criminal attacks continue unchecked.
The association specifically called for closer monitoring of the influx of unidentified individuals into the state and stricter regulation of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders. It also recommended temporary suspension and verification exercises for operators to ascertain their identities and traceable addresses.
The statement further advised security agencies to thoroughly comb forest reserves and rural hideouts across the state in a bid to flush out criminal elements responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks.
The NBA maintained that the welfare and protection of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government at all levels and called for immediate action to restore public confidence and ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.
The statement was signed by Ibrahim Lawal, Esq., Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan Branch.
— Newspot Nigeria
